Smart Home Provides Elder Care

The University of Florida has created what they call "an assistive environment" which goes far beyond the assistive devices that we are used to hearing about.

The "house" takes up the better part of the fourth floor of the UF's computer science engineering building. It has a fully furnished living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Lots of devices: a microwave that recognizes entrees and cooks them properly, sensors to determine where the person is in the residence, sensors to determine if water has been spilled and a security system that responds to voice commands. Learn more about how the Smart Home Demonstrates Concept of Automated Elderly Help and Care.

Science fiction fans will recall the wonderful "smart houses" of Ray Bradbury's short stories; take a look at the entry for Happylife Home from his 1951 book of short stories The Illustrated Man. For those who find electronic care distasteful, take a look at the genetically engineered float-home from Frank Herbert's 1969 novel Whipping Star.

Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 11/21/2003)